Building and Base Painting Supplies

Cutting dimensions are your own, just remember the bottom of the tray was three boards wide at equal height. The exterior end boards were the same width as the bottom ends and the additional two exterior boards close in the entire base.

Any type of wood will work and it’s possible to just go with a single flat board for the bottom; that would make assembly a breeze and speed things up.

Both are easy to use and will clean up is fast when using Dixie Belle paint. Don’t let the stencils sit for very long because they’re always easier to clean right after each use. Get my cleaning tips here.

Begin Stenciling

I used a combination of colors for the hydrangea stencil and there was a lot of taping involved to get a colorful transfer. If you’re new to stenciling you can get my stencil instructions here.

First fill in the leaves – I used Evergreen and then went over with Palmetto.

Then I filled in the stems with Coffee Bean

Finished the flower with Blueberry and Bunker Hill Blue.

Working with Dixie Belle paint is an absolute joy because it’s so easy to use for home decor projects. It dries fast, transfers beautifully and it’s very easy to clean up.

I’d like to encourage you to give it a try because it’s truly an amazing paint for small and large projects. Purchase Dixie Belle paint here.

When it came time to transfer a “Wonderful World” I used Coffee bean and I also stretched out the letters so they wouldn’t be close together. I even left off some of the stencil off because there was a lot going on and things needed simplifying.

Once the transfer was finished it was time to gather boards and begin assembly.

Tray Assembly

Drill three pilot holes on each end board.

Attached to end boards with finishing nails and hammer.

Take the long exterior boards and drill two holes on each end and one in the bottom center.

Attach to each board and repeat to the opposite side.

Add more finishing nails for a stronger tray.

The smaller box serving tray came together better than my first attempt and now I no longer have to juggle dishes when serving beverages, which is always a good thing.

When you’re not using the tray, they look nice sitting against a kitchen counter wall or set on a table as part of a display. Make your own tray and think to yourself, what a wonderful world….

I think they’re perfect without handles too and as always, you really brought the images to life with your stencil skills. I really love how you used three separate pieces for the base instead of a single piece – it adds so much interest and character. Both are gorgeous and would make wonderful gifts, and with your thorough tutorial, they’ll be super simple to put together!

Oh Carole,
I love that saying. In fact, my best friend had that as her wedding song. (wish I would have thought if it)
The serving trays are so pretty. Love the color combinations and who doesn’t love hydrangeas. This would make a wonderful gift.

Great saying and what a perfect wedding song. We had “My Girl” played at our wedding, it was after we said our vows and the ceremony was over. That was a really fun color combo and that bunker hill blue surprised me.

Your serving trays are absolutely lovely, Carole! As usual, your choice of colors is spot on! I LOVE that deep blue and of course, you chose my favorite flower to compliment such sweet words from an oldie but goodie song! What a great idea to make these trays deeper to avoid spills, but frankly they are so pretty I’d hang them up on the wall and show them off!

Thank you! I did actually hang the larger one up for awhile in our Tiny House on the one wall that is completely finished. Was pretty! I’m not a very good server so I need all the help I can get which is why I added depth. So far it works like a charm.